The Pokémon franchise has been making huge breakthroughs with its various anime adaptations. Along with Netflix’s stop-motion series Pokémon Concierge, which is set to be released sometime later in the year, the new anime series fans have been waiting for since the end of Ash’s journeys isn’t far from its debut.
Announced shortly after the end of Ash’s journeys, not much was then known about the new Pokémon anime besides the characters’ names and where it would be taking place. However, with its name finally having been revealed as Pokémon Horizons: The Series, along with a new trailer to accompany it, fans now have a better idea of what to anticipate when it finally arrives.
The Trailer for Pokémon Horizons: The Series
The trailer starts with Liko, the protagonist, having a mysterious necklace placed around her neck. After meeting with presumably her first Pokémon, a Sprigatito — one of the three starters that can be chosen in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — the two are seen training together. After they are nearly attacked, however, Liko and Sprigatito are shown falling from the sky.
The screen then cuts to the various characters who appear throughout the anime, one of them being Captain Pikachu. As Liko encounters the people around her, she learns that the pendant on her necklace contains some form of key. Before the title and poster for Pokémon Horizons: The Series is displayed, Liko and Sprigatito take their first leap of faith.
Pokémon Horizons May Not Be Set in Paldea
Although there is no definitive storyline besides whatever’s going on with Liko’s necklace, there has been some confusion about where exactly Pokémon Horizons will take place. While it was widely believed to take place in the Paldea region, given that Liko grew up there and owns a Sprigatito, rumors have been circulating that the new anime will actually take place in Kanto, much to the disappointment of fans.
According to Twitter user @AnipokeFandom, the pilot episode’s summary has already been revealed; rather than traveling around Paldea, Liko will be studying at a boarding school in Kanto, where she’ll meet Roy, the anime’s secondary protagonist. In addition, very few Paldea-native Pokémon appear in the trailer, and Liko’s school uniform does not at all resemble the ones in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, possibly providing some truth to this. However, it has not yet been confirmed if the leak was authentic, so there still may be some hope for Liko and Roy to adventure across Paldea.
Pikachu Is Making a Return
For over 25 years, Ash’s Pikachu has been the star of the show, garnering the hearts of fans worldwide. Now that their journey has concluded, many have been hoping that a new partner Pokémon would take the spotlight. While it looks like Liko’s Sprigatito may be fulfilling this role, plenty of new supporting characters have been revealed for the cast of Pokémon Horizons, with Captain Pikachu being the one to stick out the most among fans.
Even with Pikachu being the literal face of the franchise, many are expecting Pokémon Horizons to be a breath of fresh air. However, it will still include a Pikachu as a major character, disappointing some and making others wonder if this new Pikachu can live up to the reputation of the original. On the other hand, a few fans have pointed out that the Pokémon Company completely ditching their mascot in the new anime may not have been a wise call.
Pokémon Horizons: The Series will premiere on April 14, 2023.
Leave a Reply